Rothko Chapel unveils new peace and reflection garden, advances Opening Spaces campaign

The Rothko Chapel held a Nov. 14 ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Kathleen and Chuck Mullenweg Peace and Reflection Garden.

The ceremony included remarks from the chapel’s newly appointed president, Abdullah Antepli, and Christopher Rothko, son of artist Mark Rothko, whose work the chapel displays.

“This is our new sort of outdoor spiritual home ... where we really welcome you, whether you're going into the chapel or not, to take some time to slow down, to think about where you've been and where you're going, and really make use of this space,” Christopher Rothko said.

A closer look

Created in 1971, the Rothko Chapel is a space that embodies the intersection of art, spirituality and human rights. The chapel holds 14 murals painted by Mark Rothko, an internationally acclaimed mid-20th-century artist.

The Kathleen and Chuck Mullenweg Peace and Reflection Garden is part of the Opening Spaces Campaign, a $51 million project to create new facilities and enhance the chapel’s grounds.

Along with the garden, the campaign includes buildings such as the Program Center, the Welcome House and the Administration and Archive Building.

• Opened Nov. 14
• 3900 Yupon St., Houston
• www.rothkochapel.org